suspension priority

[sheriffbundy]

I am getting closer to that happy stage of raising my JK and could do with some advice.
When raising the vehicle by 3-3.5", would it be a priority to get the front and rear control arms, or adjustable front track bar? I know that you can get brackets to correct geometry, but I would prefer to have components attached directly where possible. The kits in my budget mean I may have to choose.
I am still learning the function of these items.
It will be a daily driver with limited off road, so I need it to handle well.

[Paul-JK]

If it is a DD that sees limited off road use by do you want to lift it that high?
A lower lift will probably handle far better and cost you a whole load less.

For a lift of that height I'd assume you would definitely need a front track bar and rear track bar bracket (or replacement bar). You would probably also need replacement arms on the rear and either arms or geometry correction brackets on the front. If it is for predimonantly road work with mild off road then I'd advise the geometry correction brackets up front rather than replacement arms. They will give a better ride and you'll not be too concerned about the minor loss in ground clearance you'll have.

[MightyMouse]

You haven't mentioned what actually matters - tires........ the only real clearance is whats under the lowest point of the vehicle most of the time.

Select the diameter tire you want then fit just enough lift to make it all work without rubbing. The amount of lift will then control what other suspension bits you actually need.
The lower the lift the less bits and pieces your going to need, the better its going to be as a daily without a lot of work. Also big lifts with small tires look.... lets just leave it at uncool.

Also I'd suspect that reputable suppliers aren't going to be happy selling that height lift without adequate correction bits and pieces...... would be a pretty half arsed end result.

[Fruju]

MM is right. Choose the largest tyre size you want to run and build a suspension around it to give adequate clearance.
If it is just more for looks then switching stock wheel/tyre combo for 285/70/17s or even 305/70/17s will make an enormous change it its appearance.
The higher you lift the more that needs replacing to bring it back to near stock handling.

[Nanook]

Absolutely spot on MM. I don't know how many times I've seen huge suspension and body lifts with small tyres (mainly on Hiluxs with P plates). I don't see the point if you keep hanging up the diffs. All it does is make the ride awful.

[dru]

I'd look at the AEC 2"/2.5" lift kit with preset correction brackets, and move to 33" tyres on standard rims.

Good around town, decent step up off road and a reasonable step forward that most jeepers will say does not need engineering.

Once I had my head around that AEV kit, I'd look at the alternatives particularly Terraflex and Synergy. There may well be cost savings. Try to avoid mix and match unless your homework is good enough to ensure no clashes.

If your stock is a Ruby, I'd live with the under protection, if not start with protection to the evac cannister. Then look to after market axle covers.

And you'll have a pretty decent all rounder.

[sheriffbundy]

Good advice, I am trying to mix practical with the stance I want. One of the users on this site is running 315/70/17 and the AEV 3.5" and it looks amazing. True, I am not climbing rocks everyday, but I am spending hard earned to make my vehicle the way I picture it.
I am aware of the engineering dramas, and research suggests that I can insure it with these mods and the risk of unwanted attention is something I can live with. I see too many users unhappy with their 2" and I only want to do this once.
The geometry correction brackets sound like the go.